Keyboarding Unit 1 Notes

Unit 1 Keyboarding Notes
(Computer System Components)
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Computer Terminology:

Monitor - The video display screen of the computer.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The "brains" of the computer

Keyboard - An input device that enters data with Numbers, letters, symbols, and special function keys.

Speakers - Output devices that create sound.

Mouse - A small, hand-held input device used for pointing, selecting, and drawing.

Floppy Disk Drive - A storage device that records data on a soft, round magnetic disk. By today's standards, only fairly small amounts of information can be stored on a floppy disk. (3 1/2 inch floppy is used on computers today. 5 1/4 inch floppy disks were used on computers built before 1987.)

CD-ROM Drive: (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) A storage device that reads data from an optical disk capable of storing large amounts of data. One CD-ROM disk = approximately 700 floppy disks or 300,000 text pages.

CD-R = CD Recordable

CD-RW = CD Re-writable

Hardware - The touchable, physical equipment of a
computer. (Some hardware is actually located inside the CPU box, so you may not be able to "touch" it without taking the cover off.)

Output - The information that leaves the computer.

Input - Information that is put into the computer.

Hard copy - A printed page of output.

Soft copy - Output produced & viewed on the monitor.

Modem - Computer Hardware that allows information to be passed through the telephone lines.

Scanners - Used like a copy machine to allow information to be input into the computer.

Data - Information that is entered into a computer.

Printer - Output device that creates images on paper. (Laser, Ink Jet, Dot Matrix.)

User's guide - A booklet that gives written information on how to use, repair, and understand
your hardware and software. In order to connect and use it properly, always read the manual before using hardware and software.

Components of an Information System

Hardware:
Computer equipment. In other words, it is the touchable or physical part of a computer. (Some hardware is actually located inside the CPU box, so you may not be able to "touch" it without taking the cover off.) Examples include: Monitor, disk drives, cables, printer, keyboard, mouse, scanner, speakers, etc.

Applications Software:
Computer programs designed to perform specific functions, such as: calculating total magazine sales for a homeroom; keeping information in an organized way about each student in a school; or a program in which you can write letters and reports. Spreadsheet Software, Database Management Software, and Word Processing Software are all examples of applications software. When several types of applications software programs are sold together, it is called an "Integrated Software Package." Examples of Integrated Packages are: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Works, Claris Works, WordPerfect Suite, etc.

System Software (also known as the "Operating System"):
Computer programs designed to run the actual computer when it is turned on, or "booted". Operating Systems serve as the "boss of the computer." The operating system formats disks, saves and retrieves files, among thousands of other things. Examples include: Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows XP for IBM compatible computers. OS7, OS8, Rhapsody, or OSX (OS Ten) for Macintosh computers.

Additional Applications Software Information
(Most commonly used types of applications software)

Word Processing:
Used to create documents such as letters, reports, memos, and flyers. Word processors perform the work that was originally done on a typewriter.

Spreadsheet:
Allows the user to enter numbers and formulas that will perform mathematical/financial calculations. Spreadsheets consist of rows and columns and are widely used in accounting. Your parents may use spreadsheets to organize their budget. Teachers often use spreadsheets to calculate grades.

Database:
An organization tool used to set up electronic filing. It allows the user to enter, retrieve, and update records in an organized and efficient way. Databases are used to organize, search, sort, and save information. Examples are: Telephone Books, Computerized Card Catalogs used in media centers, mailing lists, etc.

Desktop Publishing:
A special design software, such as MS Publisher, or PrintShop, that is often used for graphics design. It combines headlines, clip art, and text. Examples: Flyers, greeting cards, calendars, banners, newsletters, business cards, stationery, etc.

The IPOS Cycle
Input - Process - Output - Storage

Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Hand Scanner, Flatbed Scanner, Single Sheet-fed Scanner, Light Pen, Joystick, Microphone

Processing Device: CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Output Devices: Monitor, Printers, Speakers

Storage Devices: Hard Disk Drive, Floppy Disk Drive, CD-R and CD-RW drives, Tape Drives

Printers

Inpact Printers - a printer that strikes the paper in order to form images. Example: Dot Matrix Printer

Non-impact Printers - printers that form images without striking the paper.
Example: Laser Printers and Inkjet Printers.

Tips for Proper Care of Your Computer
1. Keep food and drinks away from the computer and keyboard.
2. Avoid dusty locations.
3. Avoid bright sunny locations.
4. Do not move he computer while it is in use.
5. Always exit programs according to the user manual instructions.

Tips for Proper Diskette Care
1. Avoid contact with magnets and electromagnetic fields.
2. Keep disks stored in a clean, cool and dry place with a protective cover.
3. Keep protective metal slider in place.
4. Use a Virus Check program on a regular basis.
5. Avoid heat and sunny locations.
6. Make a back-up copy of your programs and work.

Tips for Proper Compact Disk (CD) Care
1. Protect the shiny surface of a CD from items that might scratch it.
2. Keep CDs stored in a clean, cool and dry place with a protective cover.
3. Avoid heat and sunny locations.
4. Make a back-up copy of your programs and work.